The USS Abraham Lincoln and its crew of 5,000 have arrived in Thailand after being at sea for more than 280 days, a modern day record.
Docking at the Laem Chabang port, Captain Dan Keeler told reporters that the blotches of rust on the hull of the Nimitz class carrier was “normal for a long deployment and we’re not going to make further comments.”
When asked about Trump’s comments regarding the deployment “not nearly long enough,” Keeler said the Commander-in-Chief “speaks for himself. That is what I think about that.”
Keeler told reporters that there was plenty of food available on the carrier, but admitted that fresh fruits and vegetables became a problem, saying, “I am looking forward to a fresh salad.”
“First-time sailors are going to complain about the food, the living conditions, similar to sending kids off to college for the first time. We did get caught up in an election cycle and got thrown around like a football,” Keeler said.
Keeler noted that supplies of soap and toothpaste were carefully controlled in order to preserve the supply, but said there was a “disconnect” between what was happening on the ship and what was reported in the media.
Asked about the reports of attempted suicides onboard the ship, Keeler did not answer, saying there was an open investigation.
The nearby city of Pattaya, a booming city of sex-industry, is preparing to receive the sailors in staggered groups. Some of the crew will have to wait another day to enjoy leisure time in the resort area.
Kristopher Robinson, a naval attache with the US embassy, said Pattaya was chosen as the destination for rest and relaxation because the “people of Thailand have a history of being wonderful hosts not just to US sailors but people from all around.”
Robinson said the crew would take as much opportunity for rest as possible and conduct themselves in accordance with US and local laws. “Sailors here, like all tourists, they’re going to enjoy Pattaya’s great food and wonderful culture,” he said.